Astro765/CSI765
HIGH-ENERGY ASTROPHYSICS: An Introduction to Active Galactic Nuclei
Instructor: Prof. Rita Sambruna
Time: Wednesdays, 4:30-7:10pm (Fall 2002 semester)
Place: ST1, Room 112
RATIONALE : My goal in this course is to provide you with an
introduction to the physics of Active Galactic Nuclei (AGN) from an
observer's perspective. What are AGN, and why are they important?
What produces their tremendous power? What are the most recent
developments in the study of AGN, and what are the still open
questions? We will address these and other questions, and examine
which tools astronomers use for their investigations of the physics of
AGN.
During this course, you will familiarize yourself with up-to-date
results from current and past space- and ground-based observatories,
by attending the lectures, reading original scientific publications,
writing essays, and participating to in-class discussions of the
reading material. It is my belief that the best way to learn science
is to do science. For this reason, an integral part of the course is
the final hands-on project which is performed individually by the
students (with my assistance). You will pick an issue that interests
you, do a research project on it, and write a paper which will
constitute your final. The project can be an original analysis of
archival observations of AGN, or a literature search on a particular
topic, or developing a theoretical idea. My objective is give you a
concrete, first-hand perception of the current issues facing AGN
research.
TOPICS OF LECTURES : Radiative processes in AGN; Continuum and
Discrete emission; Radio, X-ray, and Gamma-ray properties; Radio-loud versus
Radio-quiet AGN; Jets; Unification models; Surveys.
TEXTBOOK : The required textbook for this course is
Quasars and Active Galactic Nuclei - An Introduction , by
A.K.Kembhavi and J.V.Narlikar, Cambridge University Press, ISBN
0521479894.
The book will also be supplemented by papers from refereed journals.
These will be used as basis for weekly discussions in class. You will
need to demonstrate comprehension of the professional literature and
this will count toward your final grade.
PRE-REQUISITES : Astro 530 or permission of Instructor.
Get a copy of the syllabus here
Slides of Lectures (PowerPoint):
Abstracts of student projects: Fall 2002
Useful Links for Final Project: